Jiffy

It depends who you ask. If you ask someone who does not live Martial Arts (as opposed to do marital arts, or not at all), then I think they would say, yes, it's just you. Speaking from personal experience though, I have felt the same way. Martial Arts have given me a life I normally would not have had. I'm very greatful for that.

Be careful about turning away. Even now, I'm a strong advocate for trying to negotiate and diffuse the situation verbally. A few years ago, this backfired on me once. I had some guys confront me. I difused the situation verbally (or so I thought). I watched and made sure they had gone, then turned and went my way. A couple of minutes later, the first thing I knew was I was on the ground. I had been king hit from behined. I was then punched in the face before I was able to get a hit in. (and I was a black belt at the time). I'm lucky that all I have to show for it is a scar on my lip. What did I do wrong? I thought they had gone and I relaxed... Now, I will still try to resolve it verbally, but I will have less tolerance these days and will be more alert afterwards.

There's no question, everyone agrees that action beat reaction, but here's a question for you. In martial arts, what's more important...??? Your increased survival of Action Beats Reaction (strike first) Your moral, martial and legal obligations to never throw the first strike Please vote and leave comments

On phrase: Action Beats Reaction

Exactly! A spanner is not designed to knock nails into wood. Sure it would do the job if you use it as such, but a spanner is a spanner and a hammer is a hammer. What am I getting at?? Just because a tool can be used for a certain job, doesn't mean it's the right one for the job or the best at it.

Combat Hapkido was created by Grandmaster John Pallegrini. He trained in traditional hapkido, but created Combat Hapkido (along with other systems) in order to create a simplified system that was effective for today's combat. I am just about to grade to 1st Dan in this system, I think it's great. see https://www.ichf.com for further information on his style. Also, if you go to our website, https://www.aacd.info and click on "Styles" there is a little info there. If you'd like some further info, feel free to PM me.

Martial Arts is such a special thing that we share. Welcome Back!!

We too have general classes for all. The numbers of students we have at the moment simply do not warrant seperate classes, although it is something we are looking at for the near future.

Check out Combat Hapkido, it is a style that has been simplified for the applicaton of self defence only. Probably ideal for what you are looking for... https://www.ichf.com

Some bags have straps on the outside. These cut the knuckles pretty easily. Gloves would be great for this sort of problem.

What about the rocky theme?!? Come on.... that's gotta help!!! Just don't listen to mission impossible, I don't think the judges would appreciate you absailing from the roof then darting around the matt on all fours with a ray gun.

So.... I'm guessing these are different to Shotokan??

HAHAHAHA Zorbasan.... You do know that this isn't a car forum right?!? I'm not sure most people would even know what these cars are, but I suppose it does illustrate a good point!!

Ah Shucks, Thanks Zorbasan!! But yeah, although I do not have a BB in a couple of the styles being taught, I do have more experience than those being taught. As far as I'm concerned (as are the students), as this is only a temporary measure, I am capable of continuing their learning while Sensei is away and therefore they should continue their payments. I wouldn't be able to do it on a permanant basis, but for a month, it doesn't affect them at all. That's the same as this situation I think. If you're still receiving tuition, although it might not be to quite the standard you expected, they are still incurring costs and inconveniences for your benefit, so payment should be made. As previously stated though, if you received no training at all, don't pay.

Which movement is that in the Kata? Sorry.

Some great ideas there. Definately... talk to your instructor!! Other than that, when all else fails, return to basics. Remember that motivation comes through positive enforcement both given and internal. For most of us, lack of motivation comes when we feel we aren't getting there, so it's very common for people to drop out near black belt when it seems they aren't getting anywhere, mainly because the grades are further apart. Re-adjust your goals. If you feel like you're not getting anywhere, make shorter term goals to achieve. Rather than just that black belt or whatever, which seems forever, set a goal to get just one technique right. Then a goal to fix one particular aspect of your training. Then one whole class. Then more and more. Adjust your goals so that you are constantly achieving something and constantly receiving positive self re-enforcement. Then, before you know it, you'll be grading... Good luck

It sounds to me like desperate situations for this man are calling for his desperate measures. Let's look on the bright side first, he made a mistake, but he showed the courage and honour to be honest with you. That took guts, weather you are annoyed at him or not, he deserves some respect for that! As for the money. If you were being taught for the period he is claiming dues (regardless if it was him or one of his sub-ordinates) then you owe dues. You may not have been taught by him, but you still received instruction, use of facilities etc etc. After that time, I would politely say my goodbyes and move on. If on the other hand, you received no instruction, skip the payment part, politely say your goodbyes and move on.

While indeed you are correct there, as have been a couple before you, there's something here that no-one has mentioned yet, and which you would not know unless you have taught on a regular basis. One of the fastest ways to learn more is to teach. While I agree that one should not start a school or branch of a school until they are well and truly ready, I do not believe that rank is an accurate indication of that rediness.

I'm by no means a great weapons practitioner, but I think just for sheer survival, I'd have to go the Katana. My weapon of choice though would be double (kali) sticks.

Yep, pretty much...

One of our previous schools used to be sponsored. You need to be offer your sponsors something for their money, in most cases, exposure. If your school does well in competitions and can put a banner up then you have a chance. If not, but you have a big school, then maybe you could release a newsletter with the sponsors in them, then you might have a chance. Other than that, it's very hard to find sponsors.

In the past we have never attempted to get back in touch with students that have stopped. As of next year, we will be contacting all ex-students... Why? Most students don't make a consious decision to stop, they slowly fizzle out. For most, they always have the "intention" to come back, but never quite get around to it. I think a large part of that is that they are not sure if they will be welcomed back with open arms (which of course they would be). I think a phone call is a little too confronting, but a letter will let them know that they are missed, but also gives them the option to not respond. It's been well proven that school that call lost students and keep in touch with students that are lacking in attendance have the highest student retention.

I prefer to think of Cresent kicks a block where you are not able to or do not want to use your hands. Eg. Hands are tied/held

In all seriousness if you make a mistake, just continue on. One of my old training buddies once started with one Kata, got completely mixed up and finished with another Kata..... and none of the judges noticed!!!

If unsure, ask. These are normal questions from most beginners, so don't feel silly asking. BTW - Welcome to the world of Martial Arts!! Hope you enjoy it.